Chievo Verona of Italy Nigerian striker Obinna Nsofor is confident that the
Nigerian Olympic Soccer team can grab gold for the second time when they
face the Argentinean team in the final of the competition.

Speaking with FIFA.com, the 23 year old player stated that Dream Team IV was
capable of defeating the Albiceleste on Saturday even though both sides
deserved to have reached the finals.

“I believe that it’s our destiny to win the gold. Both teams deserve to be
in the final, but I think we will be the ones who end up as the champions.”
he told FIFA’s official website.

“We’re really confident, but we’ll just have to wait and see, because
Argentina have the likes of Messi, Aguero, Riquelme and Mascherano in their
squad and they will give us a hard match,”

“But it’s not going to be easy for them. We have some great individual
players and the coach has moulded us into a team. We’re working hard for one
another and we’re getting to be more compact in our defence.” he continued

“We have only conceded three goals during this tournament, and I think we’re
getting better as a team with each game that we play. For me, our best
performance was against Belgium, and our second-best performance was against
Côte d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals. But we want to be at our peak for the
final match, and I believe that we will be.”

Nsofor also pointed out the growth that has occurred in the team right from
first game to their semi-final encounter against Belgium would propel the
team to victory in the finals.

“It’s a sweet feeling, it’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said

“To know that the hard work before and during the competition has taken us
to the final and a shot at the gold is incredible.

“To see the improvements we’ve made since our performance in our first game
is absolutely wonderful - we have really grown as a team during this
tournament, and now we’re going to Beijing. Reaching the final was one of
our objectives when we got here - and now we have to make sure we win the
gold.”

Nsofor also stated that the Nigerian team was going all out for revenge
after losing to the Argentines in the 2005 WYC finals in Holland, where
Lionel Messi double sunk the Nigerian side.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

Goalkeeper of the Black Stars of Ghana, Richard Kingston ensured that all
the spoils were shared in the friendly encounter between the Black Stars of
Ghana and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

The Ghanaian team was playing for the first time under their new Serbian
coach Milovan Rajevac, but there was nothing new about their game play as
they struggled to make an impact for a better part of the encounter.

It was the home side that deservedly went ahead in the 34th minute of the
encounter, after Henry Joseph nodded the ball into the Ghanaian net off a
cross by Juma Jabu to give supporters of the East African country plenty to
cheer about.

With the game looking set to end in a victory for the home side, but the
least likely individual to deliver a goal for the Ghanaians was the saviour
of the day, as Richard Kingston connected well with a cross from his brother
Laryea Kingston to ensure that New Coach Milovan Rajevac avoided a loss in
his first game in charge.

“I don’t think my players have played badly, I have just taken over and I am
still trying different formations,” Rajevac said after the encounter

The Brazilian coach of the Taifa Stars Marcio Maximo described the game as a
good experience for his wards.

“It was a good lesson for the boys, we are gaining good experience by
playing top teams like Ghana,” he said.

Ghana are scheduled to play Libya next month in Omdurman in a crucial
qualifying encounter that could either make or mar their chances of moving
to the next round of qualifiers.

The Taifa Stars on the other hand have already been knocked out of the
qualifying race and would be playing Mauritius.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

Egyptian international striker Hossam “Mido” Ahmed believes that English
Premiership side, Tottenham Hotspurs should let their want-away striker
Dimitar Berbatov leave, as he is no more focusing on the football at White
Hart Lane.

Berbatov has been seriously linked with a move to last year’s Premiership
Champions Manchester United but despite a 25 million pound offer from the
Red devils, Tottenham still refuse to let the Bulgarian go.

The club currently values the 27 year-old striker at around 30 million
pounds and are not willing to go any lower.

“I don’t think Berbatov’s head is there anymore. It is not with Spurs and I
think he is looking for a move,” Mido told Skysports.com

“I think he is a very important player for the club. You can see Spurs
without Berbatov are a different team. Without Keane as well they are a
different team.”

Berbatov’s strike partner Robbie Keane recently moved to Liverpool from
White Hart Lane

“They are huge players. It will be very difficult to replace Berbatov. He is
a class player. He is not affected by anything around him,” the
Middlesbrough striker added.

“It was the same with Keane. He is one of the best players I have ever
played with. Losing them I think will be difficult for Spurs.”

Awenlimobor Sylvester

By Abdul Kashif

10 man New York Red Bulls beat Toronto FC 2-1 in a crucial eastern conference clash at Giants Stadium.

The Red Bulls, captained by ex Aston Villa star Juan Pablo Angel, controlled most of a lively first half and the deadlock was broken by Mike Magee in the 37th minute.
Although Seth Stammler will be credited with the assist, a mention must go to Angel for holding his run, allowing Magee to storm through on goal and puts the Bulls a goal up with a precision finish.

However, the second half began in the worst possible fashion for the Bulls as Gabriel Cichero was shown a straight red card. The Venezuelan defender was penalised for an elbow on Danny Dichio.

A resolute defensive display followed as Toronto failed to capitalise on Cichero’s dismissal. Sloppy play from Toronto’s midfield meant that the Bulls were able to keep possession for long periods of the game. Debutant Johann Smith, formerly of Bolton Wanderers looked lively for Toronto but was unable to find a way past an excellent Bulls defence.

The killer blow for Toronto came in the 91st minute as substitute Dane Richards set up skipper Angel for an easy tap in after a classic counter attack.

Following back to back victories, the Red Bulls continue to battle in a very tight eastern conference. They welcome MLS champions to the Giants Stadium this Sunday while Toronto entertain New England Revolution at BMO Field.

BY ABDUL KASHIF

ASTON VILLA blew away Manchester City at Villa Park courtesy of a stunning seven minute hat-trick form Gabriel Agbonlahor. John Carew scored the other goal for Villa on a great opening day for Martin O’Neill’s troops.

After a goalless first half where both teams were evenly matched, the game sprang into life on 47 minutes as Carew headed home Ashley Young’s cross. Brazil international Elano then equalised for Man City with a penalty on 64 minutes after Michael Johnson was upended in the box.

However, Agbonlahor then stole the show with the second fastest hat-trick in Premier League history with goals on 69, 74 and 76 minutes. Agbonlahor, who could have played for Nigeria through his father, will have surely caught the attention of England boss Fabio Capello.

As for the hat-trick, it is amazing to think that there hadn’t been a hat-trick by any Villa player for the past 11 years, and then we get two in the space of 6 months! The first this year was John Carew’s destruction derby against Newcastle!

Typical, just like London buses these hat-tricks are, especially at Villa!

Vedran Corluka grabbed a late consolation but Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will be frustrated after a game which was pretty even at half time. It has been a miserable week for City after dodgy Doctor Thaksin’s no show at court and humiliation in the UEFA Cup against little known FC Midtjylland.

But confidence is now sky high at Villa, who are within touching distance of the UEFA Cup and with 2 weeks of the transfer window remaining; brace yourself for a few solid signings.

Arsenal v West Brom

Arsenal is currently lacking in creativity as Fabregas wont be playing and Nasri may still be out. Not sure Denilson and Ramsey can create as much. Arsene clearly believes in his boys and the fans can only hope their tactician is right.
West Brom would want to prove a point and announce their re arrival but I think the Emirates would overwhelm them and send them packing.

Prediction
2 - 0 victory to Arsenal

Bolton v Stoke City

Gary Megson would want to get as many points as possible early on this year to avoid the relegation type stress he faced last season. He certainly would fancy his team’s chances against newly promoted Stoke.

Stoke City however would believe Bolton is one of the teams they should be able to beat to remain in the Premiership.

Should be an exciting match for both sides and a winner should emerge. With new signings Elmander (Bolton) and Kitson (Stoke) both likely to play, I fancy either one of them netting a goal on their debut.

Prediction
2 - 2 draw

Everton v Blackburn Rovers

David Moyes has not had a good pre season by his standards and would be looking to get back to winning ways when it matters. With the sale of Andy Johnson, injury to Stephen Pineenar, Victor Anichebe at the Olympics and lack of signings at Goodison Park, Everton are likely to lack the sharpness they need going forward. Hoever, the power of Yakubu has been one they have been able to count on in the past and would certainly be counting on again in this match.

Blackburn Rovers have a new manager in Paul Ince whom all the players would be seeking to impress and stake a claim for a first team shirt regularly. Further Blackburn have signed Villaneuva, a South American wonder who is apparently going to set the Premiership ablaze. However Goodison Park has never been an easy place to get points for most teams and the loss of Brad Friedel and David Bentley may be too much to take early on and may affect performances.

Prediction
1 - 1 draw

West Ham United v Wigan Athletics

West Ham have had a quiet transfer market with only Behrami coming in so far to add to the squad which finished mid table. So not much is expected from this team at this stage. Alan Curbishley is also tipped to be one of the first managers to be sacked this season.

Wigan had a good end of season last season and would like to continue that form this season. With the arrival of Zaki, Oliver Kapo and De Ridder, Wigan possess even a stronger side and would certainly be pushing for a mid table finish. Wigan is also strong defensively and the watchful eyes of Steve Bruce should guide them well this season.

Prediction
1- 2 victory to Wigan

Hull City v Fulham

Newly promoted Hull City would be hoping to start the Premiership campaign with a victory against Fulham. Hull City has made some reinforcements with the signing of Marlon King, George Boateng,  Geovanni and Fagan who all played in the Premiership last season.

Fulham would be hoping to start afresh after narrowly escaping relegation last season. Roy has also reinforced his squad especially with the recent signing of Andy Johnson. With his continental experience, Fulham would be hoping for a mid table finish at least.

Prediction
1 - 1 draw.

Middlesbrough v Tottenham Hotspur

Gareth Southgate has had a quiet summer with Cattermole leaving and Digard joining the Riverside. Middlesborough finished 13th last season and not much is expected of this side this season.

Highly rated Juande Ramos on the other hand has brought in several signing including Bentley, Modric, Dos Santos and Gomez but has also sold many including Chimbonda, Tainio, Paul Robinson and Steed Malbranque. Also, in form striker Darrent Bent is expected to have an exciting season ahead with a top four finish predicted by many for the club.

Prediction
1 - 3 victory to Spurs.

Sunderland v Liverpool

The Stadium of Light has welcome many this summer including Diouf, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Tainio. These are all top players with Premiership experience and they will definitely add to the ambitious squad. Roy Keane would be expecting even a better finish this season and his team’s never say die attitude will help a great deal this summer.

Liverpool, as usual have bought many but the most prominent being Robbie Keane who netted 15 goals and 7 assists last season. Many are looking forward to his partnership with one of Premiership’s finest strikers in Fernando Torres. This is a partnership that will produce goals and one which many believe would break Liverpool’s inability to win the Premier League since it began in 1992. With a injury free season for play maker Steven Gerrard and those two strikers in form, Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited.

Prediction
0 - 2 victory to Liverpool

Chelsea v Portsmouth

Luiz Felipe Scolari would be itching to get his Premiership campaign going in front of the home fans at The Bridge. Since his arrival, he has brought in Deco and Bosingwa, two players whom by all standards should fit into the Premiership life seamlessly. He has also inherited a side with loads of experience as signaled by the average age of their players and they have shown they are one of the best teams in the world having only lost out to Manchester United twice in the dying stages of the competitions. With many fringe players pushing for starting shirts, one expects to see a blazing Chelsea side over the next few months.

Harry Redknapp would still be reeling the loss of the Community Shield but would be confident his side are more than capable of upsetting any of the “big four”. He has also bought intelligently has always including the arrival of Defoe last season, Peter Crouch, Kaboul and Jerome. However he has lost the thunderous left foot of Muntari and that would certainly be missed. Nonetheless, Harry would expect nothing but a fight at Stamford Bridge and would be happy to walk away with a draw.

Prediction
2 - 0 victory to Chelsea

Aston Villa v Manchester City

Aston Villa for the first time in a few seasons can boast of making more than 3 signings in a single transfer market. This season has seen the recruitment of Steve Sidwell, Cuella, Nick Shorey and Luke Young. These players would all add to the exciting talents at Villa park and this season promises to be even better than the last. Villa’s main problem last season was their inability to keep clean sheets and the recruitment of 3 defenders and 2 goalkeepers shows Martin O’Neill has got that area covered now.

Manchester City on the other hand have a new manager in Mark Hughes whom most of the players would be seeking to impress. They have also reinforced the squad with the arrival of Jo from CSKA Moscow and Bojinov from injury. Hence, they are likely to be sharper in attack and would fancy their chances against Villa’s new defence structure although Villa Park has never been an easy place to get points for most teams.

Prediction
2 - 1 win to Villa

Manchester United v Newcastle United

The Kings of the Premiership and Kings of Europe would be seeking to start the defence of their titles with a solid victory at home for their fans. Although an injury struck team at the moment with Sahar, Ronaldo, Park and Hargreaves all on the sick bed, the timely return of Wayne Rooney would be much welcomed to give Carlos Tevez the support he needs up front. The saying goes ” You never change a winning team” and Sir Alex has done just that. However I am sure he, like most Man Utd fans would welcome the moody but deadly Dimitar Berbatov.

Newcastle have added Gutierrez and Coloccini to their squad this season and would be hoping they both start to make an impact straight away. However a depleted attacking force with Owen, Martins and Viduka are all doubtful means they will approach the game more defensively than they may have wanted. Plus , in the last 3 seasons, Manchester United have been very generous in front of goal whenever they take on Newcastle and Newcastle will want to limit any early damage to their confidence.

Prediction
3 - 0 victory to Manchester United.

Blackburn Rovers of England striker, Benni McCarthy has been invited to the
Bafana Bafana Squad scheduled to tackle the Socceroos of Australia in an
international friendly encounter in London.

McCarthy has in recent times been critical about the selection process of
the South African FA, and is really a surprise feature in Coach Joel
Santana’s squad.

“This game will also afford me a chance to see the players in a game
situation.” Coach Joel Santana was quoted as saying on BBCSports website.

“I have only just come into the team and need to understand how each player
responds in a game situation.

“Unlike at club level, at national level you don’t have the luxury of having
your players day in and day out. ” he added

“We must remain focused that our main objective is to deliver a world class
team for the 2010 World Cup.

“Our pyramid scheme, which was started by my predecessor, Carlos Pereira and
approved by SAFA, must not be dismantled as it is the best model for this
country.”

Santana further stressed that he would keep building the team ahead the 2010
World Cup to be hosted by South Africa and by the end of this year he would
have fashioned out a squad that would be ready for the FIFA Confederations
Cup in 2009 and the World Cup the following year.

“We have to merge all the hard work put together in the past 16 months to
produce a Team for 2010,” Santana added

“The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are therefore important for us,
just as all the friendly games are.”

The Bafana Bafana team is in serious threat of not making it to the 2010
African Cup of Nations, and their next game against the Super Eagles of
Nigeria is very key.
Goalkeepers:

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders:

Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn Rovers, England), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd),
Nazeer Allie (Ajax Cape Town), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos, Greece), Nasief
Morris (Recreativo Huelva, Spain), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya, Israel),
Bradley Carnell (Karlsruhe, Germany), Innocent Mdledle (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders:

Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Teko Modise (both Orlando Pirates), Lance Davids
(Djurgardens, Sweden), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Matthew
Pattison (Norwich, England), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kagisho
Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Siyabonga Nkosi (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Lefa
Tsutsulupa (Moroka Swallows), Dean Furman (Rangers, Scotland), Siphiwe
Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Strikers:

Katlego Mphela and Sibusiso Zuma (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Benni McCarthy
(Blackburn, England)

Awenlimobor Sylvester

The Ghanaian football Association (GFA) has declared its unflinching support
for and confidence in newly recruited Head coach of the Black Stars of
Ghana, Milovan Rajevac.

The West African country announced the Serbian as the new head of the Black
Stars, and he is expected to handle the team for a two year period at a cost
of 30,000 Euros a month.

President of the GFA, Kwesi Nyantekyie believes the Association has made the
best decision in recruiting the services of the Serbian.

“We settled on him because of his track record”, Nyantekyie told
KickOffGhana.com.

“He has coached consistently since the ’80s and we find him motivated for
success. He may have no previous experience at national team level but he
wants to achieve for him and that for us was very important.”

“He may be unfamiliar to many people with no spectacular background we feel
he can do the job. He came highly recommended by some of the biggest names
in the game.

“He rates highly in our estimation and we also feel that he will have an
understanding of our situation as a developing country and be able to cope
with some of the difficulties that comes with working here that other more
established coaches may not have been prepared for.”

Nyantekyie also added that the Ghanaian FA would provide the coach with all
the necessary support he requires to succeed.

“Once we have settled on him, we will stand by him. We think that if we give
him the necessary support and provide the right environment, we will win
together.”

The GFA has been involved in a three month old search for a coach, after
French born tactician Claude Leroy departed the Black Stars just before its
2010 World Cup/Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

Nigerian Born Striker Stefano Okaka is still unsure of his destination next
season as his club side AS Roma are yet to make a decision if to keep him or
send him out on loan to other club sides.

Agent of the Nigerian youngster, Domenico Scopelliti has stated that he is
in the dark about the player’s future at the Stade Olympico. In an interview
with the Italian Club’s website, Scopelliti said he was still waiting for a
decision by Roma as to Okaka’s destination for next season.

“We are waiting for Roma,” Domenico Scopelliti told the club’s website

“They told me to wait some more days and then we shall see.

“Sincerely I don’t know what they will reply. I don’t know where Stefano
will play next year.

“Clearly the Bologna path is still warm, as for the lad it would be an
important opportunity that he doesn’t want to lose, so we are waiting for
news from Roma.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

The Barclay’s Premier League is upon us once again. Long grueling months of highs and lows, mixed emotions, temper tantrums, mouthing off, waking up at odd hours in the morning to catch a game (for those living across the Atlantic), hustling for tickets to see your beloved team (for those in England), and paying out cool sums for jerseys to make a statement of loyalty and support.

With all this hype and fanatics going on as we all anticipate kickoff this Saturday and prepare our game rituals, I wish every Chelsea FC fan a mediocre season, every Liverpool FC fan a empty optimism season, every Man Utd fan a not so strong season, and every Arsenal FC fan a tense or worrying season. And to the non media proclaimed “Big Four” supporters, I wish you all the best of luck for fifth and sixth and tough luck for relegation battlers.

Please feel free to object and show your optimism and unwavering support for your team. But be warned, your team must back up your talk.

By Tunnel Vision